Nice job Brett!

The most important thing is that you find a gun that fits YOU. Makes all the difference!
If I was going to be mostly shooting clays, I would buy an over and under. Easier to save your hulls for reloading with one of them.
I don' t like the Rugers because the safety is on every time you close it. I believe the Franchi is the same way. A Citori of Beretta would be real nice though.
If I was going to use for clays and hunting birds or whatever I would buy an autoloader. My first two picks would be a Benelli Montefeltro or a Beretta 391 Sporting Gold.
Barrell length is all preference I think. I like 26 or 28.

Happy shooting!